“The training was a real eye-opener for solutions to current issues we face every day,” said Shivani Bhalla, a training participant from the organization Ewaso Lions. “15 of the 26 participants, like me, would not have been able to attend this important training without the support of the US zoos.”

The 15 participants included conservationists working to save lions, Grevy´s zebras, elephants, rhinos, mountain gorillas, wild dogs, cheetahs and chimpanzees. Each of the participants face serious daily challenges, such as preventing the illegal killing of lions and elephants in northern Kenya — conflict which is the direct result of increased ethnic violence.

Often described as the “missing link in conservation”, HWCC´s approach to transforming conflict between people and wildlife through capacity building can protect increasingly threatened populations of wild animals — as well as the people who live near them. The HWCC´s training addressed theory, principles and practice of transforming complex conflicts into sustainable solutions for people and wildlife. It also provides tools for wildlife professionals on the front lines of conservation in Africa to determine root causes of conflict, build a foundation for trust and respect among stakeholders, and unearth fertile ground for cultivating sustainable solutions.

Within less than one week of completing the training, the participants were already reporting progress in resolving long-standing conflicts. Said one participant from Uganda, “the training opened up my mind and created a sense of direction to mitigation measures I am implementing in my conservation area.”

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. To learn more visit http://www.aza.org.